Celebrities React: Gene Wilder Dead – ‘Willy Wonka’ Star Dies At 83

Truth rating: 10

By Michael Lewittes | 3:47 pm, August 29, 2016

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Gene Wilder died, and now stars are reacting to the comedic actor’s death. Wilder, who played the lead role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and was a staple in several Mel Brooks films, including Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and The Producers, died at 83 from Alzheimer’s disease. See celebrities’ reactions and tributes below.

Quoting an iconic line from Willy Wonka, Ricky Gervais wrote, “‘Good Day Sir!’ RIP Gene Wilder.” Dave Navarro said, “Gene Wilder was such a HUGE part of my childhood!!! Thanks for everything Gene! You made a massive difference to millions.” Gilbert Gottfried simply stated, “RIP Gene Wilder.” And Elizabeth Banks noted, “I just bought a vintage Blazing Saddles poster. 3 days ago. Gene Wilder made my ￼[heart] dance – you bad, and now may you rest in peace.”

Jim Carrey expressed, “Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there’s a heaven he has a Golden Ticket.” Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel said, “Gene Wilder was the best,” and Snoop Dogg added, “R. I. P. Gene wilder. Richard pryors right hand man.” Chris Rock wrote, “Willy Wonka was a great movie but blazing saddles is the best thing he ever did. He will be missed.”

Film critic Richard Roeper expressed, “Gene Wilder had a sweetness and a comedic grace befitting a Silent Film era star. R.I.P.” Rob Lowe wrote, “Gene Wilder as one of my earliest heroes. Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka, are CLINICS on comic acting. Sad to hear of his passing.” Alyssa Milano tweeted a broken a heart emoji, along with the caption, “Rest in Peace, Gene Wilder.”.” And Sarah Silverman felt, “Hilarious & heartbreaking in the very same moment. #RIP beautiful Gene Wilder there was & will never be anyone like you

John Cena said, “RIP #GeneWilder absolute master. Brilliant in so many ways. His life’s work is timeless and everlasting.” Olivia Wilde wrote, “Thanks for stopping by Earth for a while,” while Harry Connick Jr. conveyed, “So sad to learn of the passing of my good friend, gene wilder… such an incredible man… i’ll miss you.”

Billy Crystal said, “Gene Wilder was a giant of comedy. His legacy of films is inspiring. A true genius..” Julia Louis-Dreyfus offered, “RIP dear, wonderful Gene Wilder. What an influence you were in my life. Thank you for all that joy.” Conan O’Brien wrote, “It was a true honor to talk to Gene Wilder. He was an unusually brilliant and sweet comic artist.” And Steve Martin expressed, “Goodbye, Gene Wilder. You were one of the great screen comedians. Original and surprising every time.”

And Wilder’s frequent collaborator Mel Brooks expressed, “Gene Wilder – One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship.” See more stars we lost this year in the gallery below.

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1.Celebrity Deaths 2016

2.Debbie Reynolds ... died on December 28, one day after daughter Carrie Fisher. She was 84.
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3.Carrie Fisher ... died on December 27. She was 60.
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4.Ricky Harris ... died on December 26. He was 54.
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5.George Michael ... died on Christmas Day, December 25. He was 53.
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6.Franca Sozzani ... died on December 22. She was 66.
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7.Valerie Fairman ... died on December 21. She was 23.
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8.Zsa Zsa Gabor ... died on December 18. She was 99.

9.Craig Sager ... died on December 15. He was 65.
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10.Alan Thicke ... died on December 13. He was 69.
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11.Fidel Castro ... died on November 25. He was 90.
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12.Florence Henderson ... died on November 25. She was 82.
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13.Sharon Jones ... died on November 18. She was 60.
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14.Gwen Ifill ... died on November 14. She was 61.
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15.Robert Vaughn ... died on November 11. He was 83.
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16.Leonard Cohen ... died on November 10. He was 82.
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17.Kevin Meaney ... died on October 21. He was 60.
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18.Shimon Peres ... died on September 28. He was 93.
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19.Arnold Palmer ... died on September 26. He was 87.
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20.Edward Albee ... died on September 16. He was 88. (Getty Images)

21.Alexis Arquette ... died on September 11. She was 47. (Getty Images)

22.Jerry Heller ... died on September 3. He was 75. (Getty Images)

23.Jon Polito ... died on September 2. He was 65. (Getty Images)

24.Gene Wilder ... died on August 29. He was 83.
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25.Garry Marshall ... died on July 19. He was 81. (Getty Images)

26.Nate Thurmond ... died on July 16. He was 74.(Getty Images)

27.Elie Wiesel ... died on July 2. He was 87. (Getty Images)

28.Pat Summitt ... died on June 28. She was 64. (Getty Images)

29.Anton Yelchin ... died on June 19. He was 27.
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30.Christina Grimmie ... was tragically killed on June 11. She was 22. (Getty Images)

31.Muhammad Ali ... died on June 3. He was 74. (Getty Images)

32.Guy Clark ... died on May 17. He was was 74. (Getty Images)

33.Michelle McNamara with husband Patton Oswalt ... the wife of the actor died on April 21. She was 46. (Getty Images)

34.Prince ... died on April 21. He was 57. (Getty Images)

35.Joanie “Chyna” Laurer ... was found dead on April 20. She was 45. (Getty Images)

36.Doris Roberts ... died on April 17. The beloved actress was 90.

37.David Gest ... died on April 12. The ex-husband of Liza Minnelli was 62. (Getty Images)

38.Daisy Lewellyn ... the "Blood, Sweat And Heels” star died on April 8, following a battle with liver cancer. She was 36. (Getty Images)

39.Merle Haggard ... the legendary country music star died on April 6. He was 79. (Getty Images)

40.Amber Rayne ... the adult film star died on April 2. She was 31. (Getty Images)

41.Patty Duke ... the actress died on March 29 of sepsis from a ruptured intestine. She was 69. (Getty Images)

42.Garry Shandling The comedian died from a reported massive heart attack on March 24. He was 66. (Getty Images)

43.Ken Howard The actor and SAG-AFTRA president died on March 23. He was 71. (Getty Images)

44.Joe Garagiola The former baseball player and legendary announcer died on March 23. He was 90. (Getty Images)

45.Phife Dawg The A Tribe Called Quest co-founder died of unknown causes on March 22. He was 45. (Getty Images)

46.Rob Ford The controversial former mayor of Toronto died on March 22 from a rare cancer called pleomorphic liposarcoma. He was 46. (Getty Images)

47.Frank Sinatra, Jr. The son of the iconic singer died from a heart attack on March 16. He was 72. (Getty Images)

48.Larry Drake The "L.A. Law" star died from unknown causes on March 17. He was 66. (Getty Images)

49.George Martin The music producer, often called the “Fifth Beatle” for serving as a key producer for the iconic band, died on March 8. He was 90. (Getty Images)

50.Nancy Reagan The former first lady and wife of late President Ronald Reagan died of congestive heart failure. She as 94. (Getty Images)

51.Bankroll Fresh The rapper, whose real name was Trentavious White, died after being shot. He was 28. (Getty Images)

52.Joey Feek The country singer died following a battle with cancer. She was 40. (Getty Images)

53.George Kennedy The actor, known for the "Naked Gun, died after falling ill. He was 91. (Getty Images)

54.Big Ang The reality star, who appeared on "Mob Wives," died from cancer. She was 55. (Getty Images)

55.Harper Lee The "To Kill a Mockingbird" author died of natural causes. She was 89. (Getty Images)

56.Katie May The model died after suffering a stroke. She was 34. (Getty Images)

57.Maurice White The Earth, Wind & Fire singer died after suffering for more than two decades with Parkinson's Disease. He was 74. (Getty Images)

58.Abe Vigoda The actor died from from natural causes. He was 94. (Getty Images)

59.Glenn Frey The Eagles rocker died from acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. He was 67. (Getty Images)

60.Rene Angelil The husband and manager of Celine Dion, died following a battle with cancer. He was 73. (Getty Images)

61.Alan Rickman The actor, known for the "Harry Potter" series and "Die Hard," lost his battle with cancer. He was 69. (Getty Images)

62.David Bowie The music legend died following a cancer battle. He was 69. (Getty Images)

63.Craig Strickland The Backroad Anthem singer died following a boating accident. He was 29. (Instagram)

64.Natalie Cole The singer died from congestive heart failure. She was 65. (Getty Images)